House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer is still bullish on the Democratic Party’s chances of regaining control of the House next year.

Despite Monday’s announcement from Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) that he’s stepping down after this term – as well as other Democrats starting to jump ship — Hoyer said the number of retirements announced so far is fewer than it was after the 1994 elections when Republicans seized control.

“I fully expect us to take back the House,” the second-ranking House Democrat, told reporters Tuesday. “We have excellent candidates around the country.”

So far this cycle, 17 House Democrats have announced their retirements. Of them, eight are seeking other elected positions. The seven House Republicans who aren’t seeking reelection are all vying for other offices.

Hoyer, who filed his own reelection papers Monday, said he didn’t expect a “large number” of future retirements, but didn’t rule out any either.

“Members are energized,” he aid. “There’s a great deal of confidence in the Democratic caucus that we can - and we will - take back the House.”